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When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 29 2014 08:36 AM

Draft 1 week from today. Mets pick 10th. Rumored to be looking at college position players for 1st pick, here are 3 to consider: Trea Turner, NC State SS: Apparently a big time stolen base, table-setter type, good enough D to stay at SS, some questions about his bat. Michael Conforto, Oregon State OF: Jock (son of Penn State linebacker and Olympic synchronized swimmer), good LH power, left fielder only, should be ready for MLB soon. Bradley Zimmer, U of San Francisco OF: Brother of Royals top prospect Kyle Zimmer. LH hitter, good power and maybe good enough to play CF. Many of the mock drafts have Turner gone when the Mets pick and slot Conforto/Zimmer more realistic for Mets. If they wanna go for a pitcher they've been rumored to be looking at LSU righty Aaron Nola and Hartford lefty Sean Newcombe, although they are expected to be gone when the Mets pick according to this "consensus" mock: [url]http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/5/29/5759878/updated-consensus-2014-mlb-mock-draft [youtube]JF47WUfznkI[/youtube]

MFS62 May 29 2014 08:40 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

The best part of this draft to me is that after it, we could find out who the PTBNL is from the Ike Davis deal. That player might be better than anyone they get in this year's draft. And, they'll be able to sign Kendry Morales without giving up a draft pick. Later

Ceetar May 29 2014 08:50 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Except they probably already have a 1Bman better than Morales. Looking forward to completing that trade though.

Edgy MD May 29 2014 08:59 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

I think we may be setting ourselves up for disappointment if we're committed to the notion that the compensation is going to be better than any player the team drafts. I mean, he'll likely be further along, and better in that sense. But so is Jose Valverde.

Ceetar May 29 2014 09:09 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Edgy MD wrote: I think we may be setting ourselves up for disappointment if we're committed to the notion that the compensation is going to be better than any player the team drafts. I mean, he'll likely be further along, and better in that sense. But so is Jose Valverde. Probably on par with a 2nd/3rdish round pick from last year is the better comp.

MFS62 May 29 2014 09:16 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Edgy MD wrote: I mean, he'll likely be further along, and better in that sense. That's kinda' what I meant, too. They'd already have a handle on how well he has adapted to the pros, rather than an untested draftee. Later

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 29 2014 09:22 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft) Edited 1 time(s), most recently on May 29 2014 09:32 AM

Ceetar wrote: Probably on par with a 2nd/3rdish round pick from last year is the better comp. Which, unless it's great chopped liver, is better than chopped liver. Nola, Newcomb, and Evansville lefty Kyle Freeland do seem like solid, likely possibilities that would move quickly through the system (1-2 years?), which might be especially desirable considering the org's anticipated "window"-opening. Slightly further away, probably, but maybe only slightly? Grant Holmes, a high school righty with "now" stuff, a surprisingly-high floor, and a fantastic white-kid afro.

Frayed Knot May 29 2014 09:25 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

The most common names I've seen connected to the Mets to date have been the OF Conforto or LHP Newcomb (especially Newcombe) -- although a lot of this type of speculation turns on stuff like; 'well the Mets have taken three straight HS position players so I think they'll go college pitcher this time'

batmagadanleadoff May 29 2014 11:06 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

The Mets never drafted 10th overall. With the 11th overall pick, the Mets drafted: 2013 - Dominic Smith. With the 9th overall pick, the Mets drafted: 2005 - Mike Pelfrey 1992 - Preston Wilson.

Frayed Knot May 29 2014 12:33 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

10th Overall picks through the years 1994 - Jaret Wright (Indians) 1995 - Chad Hermansen (Pirates) 1996 - Eric Chavez (Oakland) 1997 - Jon Garland (Cubs) 1998 - Carlos Pena (Rangers) 1999 - Ben Sheets (Brewers) 2000 - Joe Torres (Angels) 2001 - Chris Burke (Astros) 2002 - Drew Meyer (Rangers) 2003 - Ian Stewart (Rockies) 2004 - Thomas Diamond (Rangers) 2005 - Cameron Maybin (Tigers) 2006 - Tim Lincecum (Giants) 2007 - Madison Bumgarner 2008 - Jason Castro (Astros) 2009 - Drew Storen (Nationals) 2010 - Michael Choice (A's) Some pretty good players here along with some more marginal ones and others still a work in progress. Eric Chavez is the career WAR leader (37.4) followed by Lincecum, Pena, Sheets & Garland. Two nice back-to-backs by the Giants there with two CYs out of Lincecum and now Bumgarner taking over as Timmy stumbles Only Joe Torres (LHP) never reached the majors although was still plugging away in Independent Leagues as of last year at age 30 Going back even further we find: Carl Everett - Yanx, 1990 Charles Johnson - Expos, 1989 Robin Ventura - White Sox, 1988 Mark McGwire - A;s, 1984 Tim Wallach - Expos, 1979 Ted Simmons - Cardinals, 1967

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr May 29 2014 12:45 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Really solid track record of late with that 10th... a reflection of better scouting, safer strategy, or just random noise?

Frayed Knot May 29 2014 12:55 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Really solid track record of late with that 10th... a reflection of better scouting, safer strategy, or just random noise? I asked the staff of BA during an on-line Q&A about a year ago whether MLB teams were getting better at drafting due to better info, better scouting, or just plain experience through trial and error. Their answer was that they tended to believe things had gotten at least marginally better but at the same time admitted that it was a tough thing to prove. In this case, with such a small sample and a random limit of just #10 overall picks, any trend is probably just noise.

Ashie62 May 29 2014 04:39 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Please draft a college bat...

Edgy MD May 29 2014 05:08 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Please draft the player that you think has the best chance of helping you the most. over the long term, without regards to position, except insofar as position can be considered a factor with regards to the bottom line determination of who can help you the most. Thank you and best of luck to you.

Frayed Knot May 30 2014 09:57 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Please draft a college bat... I agree ... unless they see something else they like better then draft that guy instead. On the other hand, BA thinks you might get your wish as their current 'Mock' sez: 10. METS: The Mets have been tight-lipped, but the teams around them believe they remain oriented on a bat, with [NC State SS Trea] Turner a top target. That’s even though New York has drafted a hitter in the first round five times in six selections since 2008. Pacific Northwest scout Jim Reeves signed one of them already [Nimmo], and he could get another this year. Oregon State outfielder Michael Conforto was our Mets pick in the first two mock drafts, and we’re going back to him here. Projected Pick: OF Michael Conforto

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 30 2014 10:12 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Keith Law had Conforto going as high as #4 to the Cubs, he said last nite on TV.

Frayed Knot Jun 03 2014 09:30 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Mock of the Day, from mlb.com's Keith Law this time, links the Mets to LHP Sean Newcomb from U Hartford. More generally he says that the Mets priorities are, in some order, Newcomb, Oregon ST OF Michael Conforto, and NC State SS Trea Turner. If those options are gone, fallbacks are Vanderbilt RHP Taylor Beede (I heard he's venerable) or U-San Fran OF Bradley Zimmer

Frayed Knot Jun 03 2014 02:39 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Thumbnail scouting reports on all the upper ranked choices including (if you believe the draftniks) those most likely to be chosen by the Mets at #10 overall. Newcomb — 6’ 5”- 240 Newcomb works at 90-94 mph and reaches as high as 97 with his fastball. His best secondary pitch is his slider, a low-80s breaker with some bite. He also uses a curveball and changeup. He's still learning to repeat his delivery and locate his pitches consistently, but there aren't many left-handers who can match his velocity. Zimmer — 6’ 4” - 185 Zimmer has a nice package of tools, with his bat standing out the most. He has a sweet left-handed stroke, and he manages the strike zone and recognizes pitches well. His body has enough strength and leverage to possibly produce plus power if he were to add some loft to his swing, though he's content to spray line drives all over the field for now. He enhances his solid speed with keen instincts, which make him an asset on the basepaths and in the outfield. He has a chance to play center field, and if not, his strong arm will fit well in right. Older brother Kyle (a pitcher) was #5 overall in 2012 by KC Beede — 6’ 4” - 215 When Beede is at his best, he can display three above-average pitches. His fastball usually operates around 92-94 mph and can clock as high as 97. His sharp curveball and his changeup both arrive in the low 80s, playing off his fastball well. The biggest question with Beede is whether he'll be able to harness his quality stuff. His delivery can get out of sync. He can be unhittable but also has problems finding the strike zone. Turner — 6’ 1” - 170 His top-of-the-scale speed with an ability to make contact and control the strike zone, he has the tools to become a quality leadoff hitter at the Major League level. The key will be toning down his swing, which can get long, and his approach, which can get a little out of control. He can get home run-conscious and would be best served by focusing on getting on base, where his speed and instincts make him a prime basestealing threat. A third baseman as a freshman, Turner moved to shortstop in 2013. He has the quickness and arm strength to stick at shortstop, something few college players do, though he needs to improve his defensive consistency. Conforto — 6’ 2” - 217 Conforto’s signature tool is his left-handed power, which could produce 25-plus homers on an annual basis once he gets to the Major Leagues. He doesn't get cheated at the plate, taking a big uppercut hack that produces nice loft on his drives. While he's willing to take a walk when pitchers won't challenge him, Conforto swings and misses too much to hit for a high average. Most of his value comes from his bat, because while he has some athleticism, he's a left fielder with subpar speed, range and arm strength.

Edgy MD Jun 03 2014 03:37 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

If that's all I knew, I think I'd go Zimmer.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 03 2014 04:09 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Based on that, I do lean ZImmerish. (Or Turnery.)

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2014 10:39 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

BA's final Mock throws a wild card into the mix in Florida HS 2B Forrest Wall - someone that MLB didn't have slated until the 40s in their recent review Scouting Grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 45 | Run: 70 | Arm: 35 | Field: 45 | Overall: 50 Wall is one of the best high school hitters in the Draft class, but two distinct shoulder injuries are the cause of some concern for scouts. He separated his left shoulder in March, forcing him to miss a few games, but an injury to his right shoulder that required labrum surgery in 2011 is more troubling. His throwing still hasn't fully recovered, and he's limited to second base as a result. Wall's bat is good enough to make up for the concerns about his arm. He has a quick left-handed swing and makes consistent line-drive contact. He has a surprising amount of power for his size and out-homered Jose Bautista in the first round of a charity home run derby in February. Wall is a good athlete with well-above-average speed.

Vic Sage Jun 05 2014 11:40 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

I hope they'd go for college position players. Zimmer sounds alot like Nimmo, so i'd prefer a power bat like Conforto or a true leadoff SS like Turner, over pitchers like Newcombe or HS prospects like Wall. That being said, TTBPA*... always. *take the best player available

Benjamin Grimm Jun 05 2014 12:01 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

I'm with Vic on this one. I want them to take the best available player, and I hope that player is a college position player. I'm particularly hoping for a power-hitting outfielder.

seawolf17 Jun 05 2014 12:06 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

And I'm hoping that at some point in the middle rounds, we PICK A FUCKING GUY FROM STONY BROOK THIS YEAR.

MFS62 Jun 05 2014 12:08 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Frayed Knot wrote: Wall's bat is good enough to make up for the concerns about his arm. He has a quick left-handed swing and makes consistent line-drive contact. He has a surprising amount of power for his size When I saw that I remembered the Baseball Digest Rookie Report in which one scout said that Bud Harrelson had "Good power for a shortstop". They also said, when Jose Reyes was at A ball, that "when he fills out, many of those doubles will turn into home runs". Enough projecting/ wishful thinking. Let's just draft the best player available. Later

Edgy MD Jun 05 2014 12:18 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Gotta disagree. The best player at 21 or 18 or 16 is rarely the best player at 25. Projecting is part of a scout's job. Citing two cases of supposed failure (and I'd say one of them was perfectly accurate, as Reyes has over 100 career homers) hardly discredits the cause.

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2014 12:23 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

EVERY pick involves projection of some sort. And Reyes has had 6 seasons of double-digit HRs which, considering he's only managed 7 seasons of full-time play (500 or more ABs), means they weren't wrong.

MFS62 Jun 05 2014 12:36 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Edgy MD wrote: Gotta disagree. The best player at 21 or 18 or 16 is rarely the best player at 25. Projecting is part of a scout's job. Citing two cases of supposed failure (and I'd say one of them was perfectly accurate, as Reyes has over 100 career homers) hardly discredits the cause. I know. Didn't say the Reyes one wasn't good. But I'd rather they select a player we won't have to wait too long to see develop. Later

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2014 12:48 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

MFS62 wrote: ... I'd rather they select a player we won't have to wait too long to see develop. The problem with that 'strategy' is that it essentially tosses out all HS players - and that's where a lot of the true prodigies are.

MFS62 Jun 05 2014 01:42 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Frayed Knot wrote: ... I'd rather they select a player we won't have to wait too long to see develop. The problem with that 'strategy' is that it essentially tosses out all HS players - and that's where a lot of the true prodigies are. Yes, but at my age, I'd prefer not to have to wait too long. :) http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/dra ... y=news_mlb Later

Benjamin Grimm Jun 05 2014 01:49 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Why are all the true prodigies in high school? I don't think I've heard that before. Is it because the better players choose to start their professional careers sooner? I imagine that the lure of a big signing bonus would induce a lot of kids to opt out of going to college.

batmagadanleadoff Jun 05 2014 02:06 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

A review of the Mets' drafts under Sandy Alderson By Chris McShane @chrismcshane on Jun 5 2014, 10:00am Since Sandy Alderson took over as the Mets’ general manager, 3,984 players have been picked in Major League Baseball’s Rule 4 draft. With relatively early first-round picks in each of those drafts, the Mets went with high school position players: outfielder Brandon Nimmo, shortstop Gavin Cecchini, and first baseman Dominic Smith. They’ve had two supplemental first round picks over those years, and with them, they took Kevin Plawecki out of college and Michael Fulmer out of high school. Mets vice president of player development and scouting Paul DePodesta, who came on board with Alderson, has worked with two scouting directors: Chad MacDonald, who held the position in 2011 but left for the Padres after the season, and Tommy Tanous, who has held it since MacDonald left. In its first three drafts, the front office has picked a high ratio of high school players. Of the 134 players the Mets drafted over the past three years, 57 came from college, 16 from junior college, and 64 from high school. That’s 47.8 from high school. For context, just 33.1 percent of the players taken in the last three drafts as a whole have been picked from that level. A very small percentage of players have been drafted without an affiliation with a school, though the Mets have not picked any of them. [fimg=522]http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4568273/mets-drafts-2011-2013-level.png[/fimg] Alderson's front office has also drafted slightly more pitchers than the league as a whole. Of the Mets' 134 picks, 75 have been pitchers and the other 59 position players. [fimg=522]http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4568265/mets-drafts-2011-2013-position.png[/fimg] None of the Mets’ picks since 2011 have reached the big leagues yet, but given the high percentage of high school players they’ve taken, that’s not much of a surprise. In total, just 46 players—1.2 percent—drafted by all teams over the last three years have made a major league appearance. Of those players, fourteen have accumulated at least 1.0 bWAR. The standout from those drafts is a familiar name: Jose Fernandez, the Marlins’ ace who just underwent Tommy John surgery but racked up 7.7 bWAR before doing so. But the draft is almost always an exercise in patience, even for the players who rise to the big leagues quickly. Of the players from the last three drafts to make it to the show so far, the vast majority were drafted in 2011. A smaller but still significant group were taken in 2012, but just two players from the 2013 draft have made it so far: Cleveland’s Kyle Crockett and Detroit’s Corey Knebel, both of whom have played just three games in the majors thus far. As for the Mets' top picks in recent drafts, let’s check in with Jeffrey Paternostro! Brandon Nimmo Nimmo was considered to be a high risk, high upside pick when he was selected in 13th overall in 2011. Although the tools profile has never quite lived up to his pre-draft billing, in his first full professional season he showed far more in-game polish than you would expect from a prep outfielder who didn't play high school baseball. A hand injury in 2013 depressed Nimmo's numbers, but he is healthy and mashing in St. Lucie this year. He features an extremely advanced approach and good pitch recognition skills and strike zone control. He has yet to really show a standout tool, but he projects out at solid-average or above across the board, and his eye at the plate makes the total package play up. The outstanding question with Nimmo is if he will develop much in the way of power, but he is a strong kid with some natural loft in his swing. He will also have to show he can handle more advanced pitching, but he could see the majors as soon as the middle of 2015 and projects as an above-average everyday center fielder. Gavin Cecchini Cecchini was a controversial pick in 2012. Seen as a low ceiling, 'safe' pick without a standout tool or much in the way of projection, Cecchini did little to quell the skeptics in his first two professional seasons. He also lost time to injuries in both Kingsport and Brooklyn, and when he did play, I really had to squint to see a major league shortstop. He has looked much better this year in Savannah. He is much stronger and can really drive the ball into the gaps off loud contact. He's not a premium athlete, but he should be able to stick at shortstop as he moves up the ladder. There's still a decent amount of risk here; Cecchini can't afford to lose much speed as he ages, but so far he is holding up his end of the bargain at the plate and in the field. He will probably play most, if not all, of 2014 in Savannah but could start to set his own timetable in 2015. Dominic Smith Smith was the only Mets prep bat under Alderson to get a Savannah assignment in his first full professional season. This is not particularly aggressive relative to other team's first round prep picks, but Smith was a particularly young high school pick and has just recently turned 19. Somewhat predictably, Smith has had his struggles against more advanced pitching. He often gets caught out on his front foot and makes weak contact. May has been much better for him than April, but he will likely spend all of the year in Savannah. Smith projects as an average/OBP-driven first baseman, but without a ton of power projection, at least in my eyes, he is going to have to hit a lot. Michael Fulmer Fulmer was given a more aggressive assignment track than Nimmo despite being picked after him in the supplemental first round in 2011. Assigned to Savannah in 2012, Fulmer showed a plus fastball that would touch 96 and the makings of a solid slider. He tore his meniscus at the end of spring training in 2013 and struggled to stay on the field, eventually being shut down with a shoulder issue, throwing only 46 innings in total. He returned healthy in 2014 but has had an up-and-down year. He's gone back to using his curveball, which projected as a plus pitch when he was drafted out of high school. Given his injury issues, dodgy fastball command, and current lack of a changeup, Fulmer may end up in the bullpen in the long term. If he is able to stay healthy and refine his offspeed arsenal, he still has a shot to be mid-rotation starter. Kevin Plawecki Plawecki has definitely played to the scouting report since he was taken in the supplemental first round in 2012. He projected as a good hitter with strong strike zone control but carried some defensive concerns behind the plate. He has hit at every level, using his natural strength and solid bat-to-ball skills to beat up minor league pitching. The walk rate has begun to erode in the upper levels, as Plawecki is very aggressive in the zone, but he makes a lot of contact and has started to hit for more power in 2014. The defense is still a question mark. Plawecki's arm is below-average. Part of it is he is stiff and mechanical getting out of his crouch, and part of it is just a lack of raw arm strength. His throws tend to lack zip and tail up and toward the runner. He has improved his receiving skills, but he struggles on balls in the dirt to either side. Plawecki's bat is ahead of his glove at this point, but that bat is good enough that you might be able to live with the defensive profile. Plawecki should get to Triple-A after the all-star break and might even earn a cup of coffee after rosters expand. http://www.amazinavenue.com/2014/6/5/57 ... son-tanous

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2014 03:02 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Why are all the true prodigies in high school? I don't think I've heard that before. Is it because the better players choose to start their professional careers sooner? I imagine that the lure of a big signing bonus would induce a lot of kids to opt out of going to college. Well, not ALL the true prodigies are in HS and there'll always be your late-bloomers and such. But many of those who are great from the git-go do tend to turn pro earlier so as to get a jump on both their careers and the money. Of course if there are those kind of teenagers available who are without flaws or 'what-ifs' in their resumes then everyone else knows it all along too and those guys tend to be scooped before you ever get pick #10.

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2014 05:26 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

HS pitchers go 1 & 2 - LH Brady 'Don't Call Me Clay' Aiken to the Astros (4th #1 overall pick in a row) - RH Tyler 'Don't Call Me Bonnie' Kolek to the Marlins - Carlos Rodon, LHP out of NC State, the guy who was the presumed #1 overall much of the last year, goes 3rd to the White Sox

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2014 05:59 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

1 - Houston - Brady Aiken 2 - Marlines - Tyler Kolek 3 - White Sox - Carlos Rodon 4 - Cubs - Kyle Schwarber C/1B 5 - Twins - Nick Gordon (SS - brother of Dee on LAD, sons of longtime pitcher Tom 'Flash') 6 - Mariners - Alex Jackson C/OF 7 - Phils - Aron Nola, RHP LSU 8 - Rockies - Kyle Freeland, LHP, U of Evansville 9 - Blue Jays - 10 - Mets So the Mets are sure to get one of the players they (supposedly) covet, Turner or Newcomb or Conforto

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 05 2014 06:08 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

College bat it is, and an uppercut-y one-- Conforto.

Methead Jun 05 2014 06:09 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Love it.

MFS62 Jun 05 2014 06:09 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

I'm happy. Later

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2014 06:12 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

John Sickels sez: 10) Mets: Michael Conforto, OF, Oregon State University: Regarded as the top hitter in college baseball this year by many experts, Conforto features impressive left-side power and a good feel for the strike zone, hitting .351/.506/.557 with 51 walks this year in 56 games. His other tools are nothing special but scouts don’t mind; his bat is that good, and he’s ranked as one of the safest, most advanced hitters in the draft. I say, if he can hit, let's see if we can make a roster move to get him on the team by about the 7th inning tonight. We're going to need him.

Zvon Jun 05 2014 06:12 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Looks good :)

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2014 06:18 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

BA chimes in: Scouting report: While other college and high school position players have better all-around tools, Conforto ranks as the best present hitter in the 2014 draft. He has had a monster junior season for Oregon State, building off his first two seasons when he was an All-Freshman selection in 2012 and led the Beavers to Omaha in 2013. Listed at 6-foot-2, 217 pounds, Conforto has present strength and above-average bat speed. He has controlled his aggressiveness as a junior, taming a swing that got too big over the summer with Team USA. He’s become a more selective hitter, ranking second in the country in walks and first in on-base percentage while hitting .410 though the first week in May. After hitting 24 homers in his first two seasons combined, Conforto had just five thus far as a junior, giving some evaluators pause because he’s a bat-first player. He has plus raw power and should project to hit 20-25 annually. He also has improved his fringy outfield defense, which is seen as adequate for left field, with average arm strength that doesn’t always play. Conforto has shown playmaking ability with the glove, however, with show-stopper plays in the College World Series last year and key outfield assists in games against rival Oregon. Twitter: @mconforto8 Doesn't say anything about whether or not HE CAN GET A FUCKING HIT WITH THE BASES LOADED!!!!!!!!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 05 2014 06:25 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Well, he may have been able to do so before, but he sure as hell won't now.

Farmer Ted Jun 05 2014 06:31 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Conforto's mom is 3-time olympic gold medalist Tracie Ruiz. Synchronized swimming for the landlocked.

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2014 07:58 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Turner & Newcomb wound up going 13th (Padres) & 15th (Angels) Zimmer not until 21st to Cleveland

Edgy MD Jun 05 2014 08:22 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Zvon wrote: Looks good :) But enough about his mom.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 05 2014 08:39 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Where is Conforto likely to be assigned? (Assuming they sign him, of course.) Brooklyn?

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2014 06:32 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Where is Conforto likely to be assigned? (Assuming they sign him, of course.) Brooklyn? Yeah, I'd assume Brooklyn. Picking up newly signed draft picks, plus other assorted extended ST holdovers, is essentially why those short-season leagues exist and, as an advanced college player, it's likely for him to skip over the lower ranked GCL & Appy circuits. And then we could be cynical (who ... US?) and bring up the whole Wilpon/Brooklyn connection and about how bringing the hot new name to their mini side-project by the boardwalk could be good for the ol' bottom line. Draft picks up again today just after noon with pick #76 Mets pick next at 80

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2014 06:53 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Conforto has been wearing #8 at Oregon State I'd like (but don't expect) to see him continue that through the minors and right up to the big club

Benjamin Grimm Jun 06 2014 06:57 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

I'm on board with that.

Edgy MD Jun 06 2014 07:23 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Farmer Ted wrote: Conforto's mom is 3-time olympic gold medalist Tracie Ruiz. Synchronized swimming for the landlocked. Olympic Holla Famer, in fact.

Vic Sage Jun 06 2014 07:40 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

John Sickels sez: 10) Mets: Michael Conforto, OF, Oregon State University: Regarded as the top hitter in college baseball this year by many experts... he’s ranked as one of the safest, most advanced hitters in the draft. Conforto ranks as the best present hitter in the 2014 draft Thank you, Sandy.

seawolf17 Jun 06 2014 08:48 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

I'm happy with the pick; I wish him the best. Welcome aboard, Mike.

MFS62 Jun 06 2014 08:52 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Hey, wait! Oregon State? Their mascot is the Beaver, same as the mascot for my college (CCNY). We're practically mishpocha. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/mishpocha Now I like him even more. Later

seawolf17 Jun 06 2014 09:02 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

We just (sorta) traded athletic staff with Oregon State. Our Facilities/Operations guy just took a promotion to move there, and their Development guy just became our Athletics Director.

themetfairy Jun 06 2014 09:57 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Does that mean that you're claiming Conforto as a de facto Seawolf?

Edgy MD Jun 06 2014 10:02 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Hopefully it means he gets the first interview.

Edgy MD Jun 06 2014 11:23 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Mets take HS shortstop Milton Ramos round two. May be best defender of the class. You want to see him take batting and fielding practice? I guess you might!! [youtube:tac7o3r3]D2DqiY4kwBU[/youtube:tac7o3r3]

Edgy MD Jun 06 2014 11:26 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Milton Ramos is a 2014 SS/2B with a 6-2 165 lb. frame from Hialeah, FL who attends American Heritage Plantation HS. Slender live bodied athletic build, lots of room to get stronger. Did not run 60 but has run down to 6.53 in the past. Very smooth and clean defensive actions, plays with flair and creativity, especially good charging the ball and on the move, tends to get flat footed when laying back, fun player to watch play the infield. Right handed hitter, open stance with a leg raise load, foot doesn't always get down in time, short quick line drive swing, will expand the zone at times, aggressive hitter, tools to improve with additional strength. Good student, signed with Florida Atlantic.

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2014 11:26 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

With the eighty-fourth pick in the two thousand fourteen Major League Baseball draft, the New York Mets select short stop Milton Ramos, from the American Heritage School in Florida 5'11" 158lbs DOB: 10/26/95 Ramos is a smooth shortstop, considered by many evaluators to be the best defender in the Draft class. His plus speed helps give him above-average range. Thanks to his slick infield actions, soft hands and range, he has all the tools necessary to succeed at the position as a professional. Ramos' bat isn't as advanced as his glove. He is an aggressive hitter, and his compact swing allows him to spray line drives to all fields. He has minimal power now, but scouts expect him to develop some as he gets stronger. Ramos, who is committed to Florida Atlantic, earns praise for his high baseball IQ.

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2014 11:28 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

I like Edgy's scouting report where he's three inches taller than in mine (MLB.com)

Edgy MD Jun 06 2014 11:32 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

I like his quick release in the video above, and yeah, he does seem to have some creative flair even fielding those dinky practice grounders. Got a wide stance and looks like he may be able to drive the ball. But the future is unknowable. Mets getting fat on shotstop prospects. Maybe one turns into an actual real-world shorstop.

seawolf17 Jun 06 2014 11:35 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Farmer Ted Jun 06 2014 11:52 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Let's circle back to Conforto...and his momma (article and photo!) http://portlandtribune.com/pt/12-sports ... arts-genes

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 06 2014 12:02 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

I would hope he's the height FK noted... because, well, 6'2"/165? Ye Gods.

Edgy MD Jun 06 2014 12:21 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Eudor Garcia-Pacheco, round four, JuCo thirdbaseman. EUDOR MAN! Supposedly rakes, but may ending up sliding over to first.

metsmarathon Jun 06 2014 12:24 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I would hope he's the height FK noted... because, well, 6'2"/165? Ye Gods. that's almost like me in high school, plus about 10-15 pounds.

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2014 12:55 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Going local in Round 5 Josh Prevost - RHP, Seton Hall U - via Montgomery HS in Belle Mead, NJ 6' 8" 225lbs DOB: 01/15/92 Prevost seldom pitched in his first two years at Seton Hall, but has made big strides since then and served as the Pirates ace this year. He went 12-2 with a 1.62 ERA this spring and was named Big East Conference Pitcher of the Year. Prevost’s fastball sits around 90 mph and touches 94 mph with sinking action. He also throws a slider and a changeup, which is deceptive enough to create swings-and-misses. He pounds the zone with all of his pitches and has developed a much better feel for pitching over the last year. Prevost went undrafted a year ago, but won’t have that problem this spring. He could be among the first college seniors selected.

Edgy MD Jun 06 2014 01:16 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Mets who were Seton Hall Pirates: Charlie Puleo Rick Cerone John Valentin Mo Vaughn

Benjamin Grimm Jun 06 2014 01:43 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

The Mets pick a catcher named "Tyler Moore" from Louisiana State. Isn't there already a Tyler Moore in the big leagues?

Edgy MD Jun 06 2014 01:53 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Benjamin Grimm Jun 06 2014 02:10 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

The only "Tyler Moore" for me is Mary. This one will have to be a heckuva ballplayer if he's going to entrance me more than Laura Petrie has.

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2014 02:12 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Benjamin Grimm wrote: The Mets pick a catcher named "Tyler Moore" from Louisiana State. Isn't there already a Tyler Moore in the big leagues? The Nationals just sent their Tyler Moore (OF/1B) back down to the minors when they activated Ryan Zimmerman from the DL I figure that the parents of these Tyler Moores must have either watched NO television when they were younger and didn't have a clue that their kids were destined to be called 'Mary', or they watched a whole lot of it and think this kind of name is cute.

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2014 02:27 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Round 7/Pick 205 Brad Wieck - 22 y/o LHP 6' 9" / 240 -- Oklahoma City University

seawolf17 Jun 06 2014 02:34 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

6'9", 240? That's some serious beef on Wieck.

Edgy MD Jun 06 2014 02:36 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Got the size of a power forward, but kept getting his shots blocked. "Get out of here with that Wieck-assed shit!"

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2014 02:43 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Round 5/Pick 150 to the Tigers -- Shane Todd Zeile, Catcher UCLA [u:2hdp14d6]Nephew[/u:2hdp14d6] of Todd Round 7/Pick 223 to the Braves -- Luke Dykstra, 2B, Westlake HS, CA Son of Lenny, brother of Cutter (drafted 2nd round 2008 - currently in AA Harrisburg, Nationals org)

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2014 03:12 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Round 8 / Pick # 235 Dash Winningham - L/L, 1B, Trinity Catholic HS, Ocala Florida 6' 2" / 220

Frayed Knot Jun 06 2014 09:52 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Round 9 / Pick 265 Michael Katz - OF - William & Mary 6' 3" / 235 -- R/R -- 8/6/92 Round 10 / Pick 295 Kelly Secrest - LHP - UNC Wilmington 6' 0" / 215 -- 9/13/91

seawolf17 Jun 07 2014 11:11 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Seawolves catcher Kevin Krause to the Pirates in Round 9.

Edgy MD Jun 07 2014 01:41 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Frayed Knot wrote: Round 10 / Pick 295 Kelly Secrest - LHP - UNC Wilmington 6' 0" / 215 -- 9/13/91 She's HOT!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 09 2014 05:10 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Hi, I'm 14th round draft pick Darryl Knight, but you can call me Ray Strawberry if you like.

Frayed Knot Jun 09 2014 06:20 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

"But was she a pro?" [fimg=400:2df54294]http://us.cdn291.fansshare.com/pictures/jamesbelushi/still-of-rob-lowe-and-james-belushi-in-about-last-night-large-picture-518873143.jpg[/fimg:2df54294] "A pro? A pro Danny is how you think of yourself"

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 09 2014 06:26 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Frayed Knot wrote: Round 8 / Pick # 235 Dash Winningham - L/L, 1B, Trinity Catholic HS, Ocala Florida 6' 2" / 220 This kid is too much. Apparently hit a few out of Citifield in a workout and is pals with Daniel Muffy. Also, fat. Also, enthusiastic. He's like a big fat excited kid. Loves the Mets. Check his feed @winninghamDash

Edgy MD Jun 09 2014 07:21 AM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

I like how he's not really fat, but has a frame and a face that says he's gonna get fat as soon as the season ends. Probably wears those kooky sleeves to make his arms seem more cut. Like with Charles Barkley during his playing days. He was called fat, but he was more, like, fleshy. Definitely looks like a good candidate for a 40 homer/180 strikeout season or three.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 09 2014 06:52 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Fatter, and tweets about livin the dream like Jack Leathersich tweets about eatin the burritos. Dash Winningham @WinninghamDash · 6h I'm just a normal small town kid livin' for a big time dream. Could be a John Cougar lyric. Dash Winningham @WinninghamDash · 20h One day I hope to look up in the stands and see people with my last name on the back of jerseys they wear to games!

Edgy MD Jun 09 2014 09:21 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

[fimg=500:2880jn7y]http://www.100percentauthentic.com/pics/50768_02_lg.jpg[/fimg:2880jn7y]

seawolf17 Jun 10 2014 12:39 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

WTG, fellas.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 11 2014 12:22 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Going local in Round 5 Josh Prevost - RHP, Seton Hall U - via Montgomery HS in Belle Mead, NJ 6' 8" 225lbs DOB: 01/15/92 Prevost seldom pitched in his first two years at Seton Hall, but has made big strides since then and served as the Pirates ace this year. He went 12-2 with a 1.62 ERA this spring and was named Big East Conference Pitcher of the Year. Prevost’s fastball sits around 90 mph and touches 94 mph with sinking action. He also throws a slider and a changeup, which is deceptive enough to create swings-and-misses. He pounds the zone with all of his pitches and has developed a much better feel for pitching over the last year. Prevost went undrafted a year ago, but won’t have that problem this spring. He could be among the first college seniors selected. Meet Josh, who has already disgraced his father's name, bought a used pick-up truck, kept a chip on his shoulder and hired his Mom to look after his $$ while he plans his midseason 2016 MLB debut. Prevost selected by Mets MHS graduate improved stock in final year at Seton Hall By Justin Feil, Assistant Sports Editor Josh Prevost had the chance to sign a professional baseball deal last year, but the Montgomery High School graduate wanted the chance to show he was worth more than a free-agent deal from the Oakland A’s. Prevost passed on his first professional chance last year in order to return to Seton Hall University for his senior season. ”It wasn’t a very tough decision at all,” Prevost said. “My coaches and my whole family wanted me to make the best decision. I could improve my stock. I wanted to prove a lot of people wrong that didn’t take me. I wanted to get my degree and have a great senior year, which I did. ”I was told a lot of promises last spring around this time,” he added. “None of them went through. I kind of felt like they didn’t value me as high as they should have. I don’t blame them, but I felt like I was worth more than they had me at.” Prevost’s value sky-rocketed in his senior year at Seton Hall that saw him finish at the Big East Pitcher of the Year after going 12-2 with a 1.62 ERA. In 116Ð innings, he struck out 111 batters and walked just 20. Opponents batted only .158 against him. The 6-foot-8 right-hander was selected Friday in the fifth round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft by the New York Mets. ”It was a lot quicker this year,” said Prevost, who was signed by scout Jim Thompson. “It was nice. I got a phone call. I was really happy. ”They’re my dad’s favorite team growing up,” he said. “I always had an affinity for them growing up. They’re the underdogs in the city. I like the Yankees too. I have a lot of friends and family that like the Mets. I’m so happy I can stay local.” Montgomery resident Luke Bonfield, a senior at IMG Academy in Florida, was selected by the Mets as well, with the outfielder going in the 21st round. If he does not sign with the Mets, he will play on scholarship for the University of Arkansas, a program that had the most draft picks in 2013. D.J. Ruhlman, another Montgomery High School product, was not selected in the draft. After a breakout junior year, the shortstop is expected to return to Seton Hall for his senior season. Another season like this year’s and he could be another high selection. Last year, MHS graduate Jon Prosinski was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 10th round. ”You’re already proud of the guys that are competing on the Division I level,” said MHS head coach Pete Mueller, who coached Prosinski, Prevost and Ruhlman. “You don’t think you could be more proud, then this happens. It’s such a sense of happiness. I feel like a kid. ”It’s really cool to see this. I couldn’t be happier for those guys. They work so hard. It’s so nice to see him rewarded for all that hard work.” Prevost was to sign his professional contract this week and could be in uniform for the Brooklyn Cyclones for the New York-Penn League short season by the end of the week. He is living out a boyhood dream. ”I’ve been getting phone calls, texts, Facebook messages,” Prevost said. “It’s kind of still hitting me. It’s been my dream for 15 years to play professional baseball. It’s very surreal. I’m sure it’ll hit me when I start pitching.” Prevost’s dream was almost derailed after his freshman year at MHS. He thought temporarily about playing golf instead. Mueller told him that he had a chance to play professional baseball if he stayed with baseball. ”I don’t know if he believed me, but he stuck with it,” Mueller said. “With his size and ease with which he released the baseball, I just knew he had the potential.” Prevost developed into a dominating pitcher. He was Most Valuable Player in the Somerset County Tournament then started his career at Seton Hall. After two sub-par seasons, he came into his own as a junior but didn’t go in the draft and returned this year to prove it was no fluke. ”I had a lot of confidence,” Prevost said. “I was building off a good spring last year, a great summer last summer. I had a lot of confidence. I wasn’t afraid to fail at all. I wanted to go out and be the No. 1 guy with a chip on my shoulder. I threw a lot of strikes.” Prevost’s advisor — now agent — kept in touch with major league teams. Prevost worked out for the Mets and for the Tampa Bay Rays. The draft came last weekend with Prevost waiting to hear who would take him. ”I knew where I was valued,” he said. “I knew what they were saying. I didn’t worry about it. I don’t worry about things I can’t control. ”I’ll always have a chip on my shoulder. I was very happy where I went. I was told top five rounds and the money I was offered was more money than I was hoping for. Everything worked out great.” Prevost didn’t go overboard in his celebration. He went for a used pick-up truck rather than a flashy new car. His money will be managed by his stepmom, who is an accountant. He will keep his focus on what it will take to get to the majors. ”I guess keep doing what I’m doing,” Prevost said. “They like what they drafted. I throw a lot of strike, go deep in games, competing with three pitches. I’ll make small adjustments as I work my way up. I’ll just be trying to improve each game. That’s all that matters.” Prevost has seen significant improvement over his four years of college. It has seasoned him for the next step. ”I came into Seton Hall a skeleton of what I am now,” Prevost said. “They do a really good job of developing all their pitchers. The past four years, we’ve had four starting pitchers and one closer picked. I’ve had a lot of guidance looking after those guys. They showed the way. ”Seton Hall baseball is amazing. It’s the best in the Northeast. They care about their players, care about how you do after. It’s a wonderful program and turned me into a professional prospect.” Prevost gives some credit to his fellow MHS grad Prosinski for leading the way to Seton Hall. Now he’s followed him into the pros. ”He was the No. 1 guy in high school,” Prevost said. “He was the ultimate leader. He’s the best pitcher to ever go through Seton Hall. When he went to Seton Hall, that’s when they started looking at me. I was really set up in high school as well as college.” It was Prevost that took the next big step as a senior. He followed up a strong junior campaign with a dominant senior season. ”I definitely surprised myself a little bit,” Prevost said. “The numbers I put up were video game-esque. I had a similar summer last year. I had a great fall. I wrote down my personal goals before the season just like other Seton Hall pitchers. I wanted to get 10 wins and get an ERA under 3.00. I did both of those. I definitely passed both my expectations. Phil Cundari, our pitching coach, said you’ll never have higher expectations for yourself than I do. I guess I’m realizing what I’m capable of.” The Mets see something special as well. Prevost is the first pitcher that they selected in this draft. ”You go in Round 5 and they expect you to contribute quickly,” Mueller said. “He’s still skinny. He has room to get bigger and stronger. There’s a lot to get excited about.” Prevost proved to the baseball world that he is a high level pitcher. Now the Mets are giving him the chance to see how far he can go, and Josh Prevost is turning his attention to setting a timeline to make it to the majors. ”Hopefully under two years,” Prevost said. “That’d be ideal.”

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 11 2014 12:29 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Whenever you can hire someone who's emotionally involved and more closely tied to other parties in your immediate sphere to handle some essential business function for you, you've got to do it, right?

Farmer Ted Jun 11 2014 12:44 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Yeah, this isn't too shady. Prevost’s advisor — now agent — kept in touch with major league teams.

Edgy MD Jun 11 2014 01:07 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

What's shady is the silly rule that bans players from college once they consult with an agent, expecting 17-year-olds to rely only on their parents to protect their interests as they make the biggest decision of their lives. Of course tons of players skirt these rules. They'd be foolish not to, as the rule is pretty damned unethical, and what's really shady is that Phillies (and I'm sure they're not alone) like to report players to the NCAA for using "advisors" as an ugly and petty way to screw them over if they don't sign.

Edgy MD Jul 11 2014 04:08 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Michael Conforto, ready for her to let him know. Mets introduce 1st-round pick Conforto NEW YORK -- Michael Conforto’s first trip to New York City included viewing the Freedom Tower, heading to the top of the Empire State Building and taking batting practice with the New York Mets at Citi Field. It also included sampling the local cuisine. And it will soon include playing for the Brooklyn Cyclones. “We’ve been eating a whole lot since we got here,” said Conforto, the Mets’ first-round pick out of Oregon State, who officially passed a physical and was introduced Friday at Citi Field. “We’re Italian, and we’ve had some pretty good Italian food. I mean, really good. Usually you can only get that from family back home.” While the 21-year-old Conforto will be assigned to Brooklyn, Sandy Alderson suggested the first-round pick could rise to a higher level by season’s end. He will join the Cyclones on Saturday for their game at Connecticut, but will not immediately jump into games. In fact, Conforto will be in Los Angeles next week for the Golden Spikes Award presentation. The finalists are Conforto as well as LSU right-hander Aaron Nola and Kentucky left-hander/infielder A.J. Reed. The New York-Penn League also was the professional launching point for the three other position players selected in the first round out of college by the organization in the past decade: Kevin Plawecki in 2012 and Ike Davis and Reese Havens in 2008. “Since I’ve been home I’ve been making sure I’ve been staying in shape and doing the things I need to keep my swing feeling good,” Conforto said. “Throughout my life I’ve learned how to do that in those times I’m not actually on the field. I had some teammates from Oregon State that came back home with me and I was able to take some swings and work out and do all those things.” Conforto took batting practice with the Mets on Friday afternoon. A two-time Pac-12 Player of the Year, Conforto hit .345 with seven homers and 56 RBIs in 203 at-bats as an outfielder for Oregon State during his junior season. He produced a .504 on-base percentage. He set a single-season school record with 55 walks. (Ed: This part was difficulty to transcribe because of all the Alderson drool on it.) He has been praised by Mets officials for his combination of power and selectivity at the plate. His father Mike, who accompanied him at Citi Field on Friday, played linebacker at Penn State under Joe Paterno. His mother Tracie Ruiz-Conforto won two gold medals in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles in synchronized swimming, then a silver four years later in Seoul, South Korea. Conforto, who grew up in Seattle, said he revered fellow lefty hitter Ken Griffey Jr. growing up. “His outstanding on-base approach as well as his left-handed swing and the power potential that he brings are sort of the natural fit for our organization and this ballpark, as sort of a gap-to-gap kind of hitter,” Alderson said. How quickly could Conforto reach the majors? Only one player taken in last year’s first round -- right-hander Corey Knebel, the 39th overall pick by the Tigers out of Texas -- has made his MLB debut. From the 2012 draft, five first-rounders have reached MLB, although four are pitchers: Kevin Gausman, fourth overall, LSU, Orioles; Michael Wacha, 19th, Texas A&M, Cardinals; Marcus Stroman, 22nd, Duke, Blue Jays; and Eddie Butler, 46th, Radford, Rockies. The lone college position player from that class to reach the majors: Mariners third overall pick Mike Zunino, a catcher out of Florida. Of the 25 players selected in the first round out of four-year colleges in 2011, nine have appeared in the majors, including six position players: Anthony Rendon, George Springer, C.J. Cron, Kolten Wong, Jackie Bradley and Jace Peterson. Meanwhile, agent Scott Boras and the Mets had agreed to the monetary terms of a deal three weeks ago. Conforto will receive $2,970,800 -- the precise amount recommended by MLB for the 10th overall pick. So why the delay? Boras said it was haggling over things that are not uniform to all contracts, but perhaps should be. A Mets official suggested there was nothing really substantive to it at all. “We’re two of the more stubborn people in the game,” Alderson said, referring to himself and Boras. “Whatever delay occurred had absolutely nothing to do with Michael.”

Frayed Knot Jul 11 2014 04:46 PM Re: When you turn pro she'll let you know (2014 draft)

Edgy MD wrote: His father Mike, who accompanied him at Citi Field on Friday, played linebacker at Penn State under Joe Paterno. His mother Tracie Ruiz-Conforto won two gold medals in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles in synchronized swimming, then a silver four years later in Seoul, South Korea. As long as it's not Rosie Ruiz-Conforto, otherwise we'd have to question whether or not it was actually her in the pool the whole time.